SNC Proposition 84 Grant Program: Success Stories

More than 60 percent of California’s developed water supply originates in the Sierra Nevada Region, and up to half of the water flowing into the Delta starts its journey in the Sierra’s forested watersheds. Using funding fromProposition 84, passed by popular vote in 2006, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) has awarded over $51 million for projects that that directly improve watershed health, water quality, and community health for the people of California.

The SNC's Proposition 84 grant program is aligned with the Watershed Improvement Program (WIP), a coordinated, integrated, collaborative program to restore the health of California’s primary watershed.

Watch this page to see what the SNC and Regional partners have been working on!

HIGHLIGHTS:

This project restored natural hydrological flow to Greenhorn Creek. Using rock work and earth-moving equipment, the creek is now "meandering" as it should, bringing the water table up throughout surrounding meadows to create healthy new pasture and wildlife habitats.

This city-owned forest property is situated very close to a populous community. In this project, the SNC supported due diligence work that determined forest treatment prescriptions and completed environmental permitting. A recent SNC implementation grant has since been awarded and the project is underway.

This project decreased under-story and ladder fuels, reducing resource competition for remaining trees and leading to a more resilient and fire-resistant forest. This work has benefitted giant sequoia and pacific yew saplings.

This project supported noxious weed control on the east side of the Sierra - improving and conserving agricultural lands and wildlife habitats.

VIDEO LINKS - COMPLETED PROJECTS REFLECTING SNC PROGRAM GOALS

HEALTHY FORESTS, FIRE PREVENTION, TREE MORTALITY, AND WATER

Sierra forests are the source of most of California’s water. Funds supported projects that reduced the risk of large, damaging wildfires that threaten communities, water reliability, and water quality for Californians, and at the same time created much-needed jobs.

The health of the watershed system is directly linked to the quality and amount of water that flows down through the SNC Region. Much of the water that flows through the Delta originates in the Sierra Nevada. The Delta, as well as other important water systems in the state, depend on the quantity, quality, and timing of water coming from Sierra watersheds.

Ranching and agricultural lands of the Sierra are an integral part of the landscapes and waterways of the Region, contributing to its economy, cultural heritage, habitat diversity, and scenic beauty. Maintaining the viability of the Sierra’s productive farms and ranches, and the public benefits they provide, is important to all Californians.

The Sierra Nevada is home to magnificent rivers, snowcapped mountains, unique wildlife habitat, and beautiful forests and meadows. Investment in the protection of the Region’s natural resources will ensure the enjoyment of its splendors and the benefits that flow to the rest of the state.